spoof
Say it: SPOOF /spuːf/ · noun
What “spoof” means
A funny imitation that exaggerates familiar features.
More precisely: A humorous imitation of something, such as a film or genre, exaggerating its features.
Example: “They made a spoof of a nature documentary starring the office printer.”
When to use it
Use it for a playful imitation of a film, programme or genre, especially when familiar conventions become deliberately silly.
Similar words
parody, send-up, skit
Where it comes from
Coined by British comedian Arthur Roberts as the name of a hoaxing game.
Quick check
A film copies spy thrillers, but its secret agent uses a banana as a high-tech phone. It's…
a documentary or a spoof?
Show the answer
a spoof
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